Pronghorns Beat Reivers in PKs

Gillette, WY: #13 Iowa Western CC fell to #17 Gillette CC 1-1 (4-3 PKS) in the NJCAA North Plains District Championship.

How It Happened:  Meeting for the first time in program history, it was a game that would be decided by Penalty Kicks after two overtime periods.  Iowa Western was the first on the scoreboard as Estefania Cardonia was able to score off a free-kick, her 6th goal on the season.  The Reivers would continue to press the Pronghorns, maintaining possession for most of the half.  The Pronghorns were able to find the back of the net in the 25th minute off of a corner.  The game would remain deadlock going into halftime.

After the break, it was more of the same, the Reivers were able to continue to maintain possession for most of the half.  They would outshoot the Pronghorns 7-3 throughout the next 45 minutes but were unable to find the back of the net.  Looking dangerous on the counters, the Pronghorns were able to create a chance in the closing seconds.  Judit Gonzalez would shutdown that chance to force the game into overtime.

Both overtime periods would fly by as the game slowed down and tired legs started to set in.  As the clock ticked down, it was becoming more apparent that this game would be decided by penalty kicks.  The final whistle blew and each side started to prepare for the upcoming kicks.  10 ladies went out to the mid-field line and would await their turn to take their kicks.  In the end, it was the Gillette team that would come out on top, 4-3 in PKs.

Notes & Numbers: Iowa Western record moves to 13-4-1.

Quotes:  Coach Adam Sanchez: "It was a great match today.  Gillette is a quality side and they showed that today.  We knew that we would have to excellent today and bring out our best.  They played their game, attacked relentlessly, defended well, and stuck to the game plan that they had coming into this match.  We wish them well at nationals."

Up Next: The Reivers wait to see if they get an at large bid to go to the national championship.